You know that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful idea, only to recognize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I decided to switch my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. Yet in truth? It developed into among one of the most unpleasant software application decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my business.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via specifically what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, extra reliable means to grow your business. Just … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire happened. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you’ve ever before handled a Frankenstein stack of tools simply to run your daily, you know just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for several years (and loving it, honestly), yet still– I got tempted in by the pledge of streamlining everything under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor instance of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did everything I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little outdated in position, and sometimes points took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), used more features, and all the awesome marketers on-line seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness price me greater than just money– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, rebuilding workflows, and generally attempting to replicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Personalized types, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Allow’s not also speak about the shed performance during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to identify where the hell basic setups were.
And just when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Creeping In
Initially, everything looked all right. But then, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing began getting e-mails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m talking entirely unnecessary messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals each time. 3 days straight.
Overall mayhem.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still happened. I called support. They blamed “web server concerns.” However nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t disappear. Envision waking up every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply bothersome– it threatens. When your entire brand is built on trust, you can’t manage to look like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate excellence from any platform. Insects happen. But when they do? I expect the support group to step up quickly.
That didn’t happen here.
Responses were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into deep space while my business melted. At the same time, every min I spent fixing was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or growing my agency.
For a device that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a tool and just really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel University.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in unusual locations. Even straightforward tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. Intend to alter item setups, page formats, and total flow? Amazing– you’ll require to hunt via 3 different areas that make absolutely no logical sense. Half the moment, I could not also bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It felt like using software application constructed by designers, for designers– not day-to-day entrepreneur.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Genuine Costly, Genuine Fast
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears impressive, appropriate?
But below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel University
The last straw? Viewing my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was simply sending out at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been staying to play investigator while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– here’s what I wish somebody had told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped regarding the latest “cutting edge” tool. However even if every person’s discussing something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is working, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always much better. A system with a clean, instinctive user interface will certainly conserve you time and migraines in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Concealed expenses are the worst. Select devices that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your regular monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Real Users (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Examine honest evaluations, user online forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of actual individual experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, easy to use platform to run your business, I have actually evaluated a bunch. Right here are a few I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it just works. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized organizations with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for job administration, group partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may help some. But also for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not working in your existing configuration. Do not melt your systems down even if something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thanks.